Speaker Proposes Major Reforms to Rikers in State of City Address

“Speaker Mark-Viverito presented today important criminal justice initiatives that send an important message: It’s time to end the cycle of violence, abuse and over-incarceration at Rikers Island. Her commitment to reducing the population at Rikers provides a way forward: If we cannot bring the necessary reforms to Rikers, the city must be in a position to consider all alternatives, including shutting the controversial jail down.”

“We also support the speaker’s call for rigorous independent oversight of Rikers Island. An inspector general with meaningful authority will enable the city to identify systemic problems and policy changes to reduce the prison population and end the culture of violence for both prisoners and corrections staff. And transitional services will enable people who have paid their debt to society to get a true second chance upon release.”

“The speaker’s criminal justice reform initiatives also recognize the harms caused by decades of hyper enforcement of lower level offenses, which took a massive toll on low-income communities of color in New York City. A community-based justice model is the right step forward. Furthermore, reforming the city’s warrant system can help ensure that fewer New Yorkers spend nights in jail for no real reason.”

“We look forward to working with the speaker, the mayor and the City Council to improve justice for all New Yorkers.”